Special Event

DAG Spotlight: Partnering to Protect Our Commercial Districts: Flood Mitigation, Preparedness, and Resilience in Manayunk + East Falls

This Event Has Passed

When

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Where

Missed it? Watch it HERE.

What

In the wake of Hurricane Ida in September 2021, the East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) and Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) recognized the need to proactively address flood risks facing their Schuylkill River communities. With funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Keystone Communities Program, EFDC and MDC partnered with AKRF Engineers, Inc. to complete a comprehensive flood mitigation and preparedness study in 2023-2024.

This collaborative effort engaged local and state governments, technical experts, and residents to identify flood challenges and solutions. Key strategies include predictive flood gages, hyper-local warning systems, evacuation plans, and resilient restoration of the Schuylkill River Trail. The study also addresses recovery resources, sediment management, and mental health impacts to build long-term community resilience.

In this session, EFDC, MDC, and AKRF will share how they secured funding, engaged stakeholders, and developed recommendations to confront the challenges of living along the Schuylkill River—ensuring Manayunk and East Falls remain vibrant and resilient for the future. The final study can be read here.

Missed it? Watch it HERE.

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Presenter

Gwen McCauley

Gwen McCauley serves as the Executive Director of the Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) and the Manayunk Special Services District (MSSD), where she plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth and success of small businesses in the Manayunk Corridor. She is a dedicated advocate for the local merchant community and works tirelessly to foster collaboration between business owners and government agencies.

In her leadership position, Gwen is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and financial management of both the MDC and MSSD. She has a strong focus on ensuring the commercial corridor's viability, which includes championing streetscape and beautification projects that enhance the area's overall appeal. Her passion for maintaining and improving the town's streetscapes reflects her commitment to creating a vibrant, attractive, and thriving neighborhood for businesses and residents alike.

Michelle Feldman

Michelle has dedicated her career to community and economic development in her hometown of Philadelphia, currently serving as the Executive Director of the East Falls Development Corporation where she oversees both strategy and programming designed to support our small businesses. She is a proud Board Member of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations.

Michelle holds a B.A. in Political Science from Brandeis University and a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Drexel University. She served on the Board of Young Involved Philadelphia as Outreach Chair from 2014-2015, and as Vice President in 2016. From 2017-2020, she served on the Mayor’s Millennial Advisory Committee, first as Communications Chair and then on the Executive Committee as Secretary.

Michelle has been named a Connector and Keeper by LEADERSHIP Philadelphia, a Philadelphia Association of CDCs "Rising Star," and to Billy Penn's “Who’s Next: Community Leaders” list.